Abstract:

The purpose of the study was to evaluate and describe the dynamics of values, coping styles and psychological well-being in a group of youths. The specific focus was to determine to what degree value systems play a role in the coping process and psychological well-being. The nature and dynamics of values, coping and psychological well-being was analysed from certain specific different theoretical perspectives as found in the current literature. The role of relevant moderator variables were also investigated as indicated in the literature. In the empirical analysis 481 university students (17-30 years) were used as an availability sample. The most important value was determined by means of the Value Survey (VS) by Swartz (1994). Coping strategies were determined by means of the Cope-Questionnaire (COPE) of Carver et al. (1989), Coping Strategy Indicator (CSI) of Amirkhan (1990,1994) and the Strategic Approach to Coping Scale (SACS) by Hobfoll et al. (1994). Psychological well-being was determined by means of the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC) by Antonovsky (1987), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SMTS) by Diener et al. (1985) and the Affectometer 2 (A.FM) by Kammann and Flett (1983). Findings indicated relatively good reliability indices for all scales and subscales except in the case of some subscales in the Black Group. It was determined that the universal value theory by Schwartz (1994) is applicable to White South African students. Black Groups, however, seemed to have a unique value structure, the exact nature of which is not yet known and in need of further research. The results showed significant differences between Men and Women, White and Black Groups, and Individualistic and Collective Groups with regards to certain values, to the use of copings strategies as well as to reported psychological well-being. The importance of religion as a value and coping strategy came to light, as well as the necessity for further research thereof. It appears as though people with a clearly clarified values system in general utilise more constructive coping strategies and report a higher level of psychological well-being. A mixed value orientation was predominant in this group. No relationships between individual values and direct coping strategies on the one hand, and collective values and indirect coping strategies on the other, were found. Constructive coping strategies show a significant correlation with clearly defined value orientations, irrespective of whether they are collective or individualistic. Direct coping strategies were shown to correlate positively with the degree of psychological well-being while indirect coping strategies had a negative effect. The results indicated that direct coping strategies mediate between individualistic values and psychological well-being, as well as between collective values and psychological well-being. Recommendations for further research, as well as the practical implementation of findings regarding the dynamics of values, coping strategies and psychological well-being, were made.